Purpose
To provide guidelines for lobbying activities by 51 (51) employees.
Scope
Applies to all 51 administrators and employees.
Definition
Lobby / Lobbying: Attempting through contact with, or causing others to make contact with, members of Congress or any state legislature, congressional or legislative committees or an executive official, to influence the approval, modification or rejection of any legislation by Congress or the legislature or any committee thereof or by the governor or to develop or maintain relationships with, promote goodwill with, or entertain members of Congress or any state legislature or executive officials. “Lobby or “lobbying” also means communicating with an executive official for the purpose of influencing the consideration, amendment, adoption or rejection of any rule or rulemaking decision, procurement, contract, bid or bid process, financial services agreement or bond issue.
Policy
It is 51's policy, in the conduct of its relationships with federal and state governmental officials and units, to follow all applicable laws and funding regulations. Accordingly, because 51 is a recipient of federal funds, prohibitions and restrictions exist on 51 employees attempting to influence members or staff of the executive or legislative branches of government regarding grants, contracts, or legislation.
Guidelines
51 administration and employees may not use federally appropriated funds to pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with obtaining any federal contract, grant or any other award covered by 31 U.S.C. § 1352.
If 51 receives more than $100,000 in federal funds and has used non-federal funds to pay any person for lobbying activities in connection with 51 programs, 51 shall file a disclosure form in accordance with federal law.
No 51 employee is permitted to lobby on behalf of 51 without the express authorization of the President. Further, 51 employees may not engage in lobbying during work time on their own behalf or for their personal gain or use 51 funds or property for the purpose of engaging in lobbying on their own behalf or for their personal gain.